Council adopts position at first reading on the energy performance of buildings directive

The Council adopted on 14 April 2010 a position at first reading (5386/10 ADD 1) on the energy performance of buildings directive (5386/10) which aims to clarify, strengthen and extend the scope of the current Directive 2002/91/EC and to reduce the large differences between Member states' practices in this sector. Its provisions address different regulatory and information-based instruments and cover energy needs for space and hot water heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting for new and existing, residential and non-residential buildings. It prescribes that all new buildings must be nearly zero energy buildings by 31 December 2020, that Member States should set intermediate targets for 2015, and that new buildings occupied and owned by public authorities have to be nearly zero energy buildings after 31 December 2018.

The proposal forms part of the so-called "energy efficiency package" 1, presented by the Commission in November 2008 with the aim of contributing to the EU's target of reducing 20% of the energy consumption and having a 20% share of energy from renewable sources by 2020.

The European Parliament adopted its opinion in first reading in April 2009, adopting 107 amendments (8876/1/09). The Council has been working intensively with the Parliament since then in order to reach an early agreement on this proposal as called for by the European Council.

The substance of the directive was agreed between the European Parliament and Council in November 2009 but the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty on 1 December 2009 required modifications concerning in particular the adaptation of the legal basis and the comitology provisions. Following consultations with the EP, this second step was concluded in March 2010, relying as far as possible on horizontal solutions.

The European Parliament is expected to confirm the agreement when it adopts its position at second reading in its forthcoming plenary session in April.